Serving as a cross between The Natural and Bill Durham, Leatherheads possess all the right ingredients to make a great old-fashioned sports film; however, the film misses its mark. Failing to capitalize on an amazing cast, a pretty good story and a genre that really needs to get back on its feet, Leatherheads shows up but doesn't win the game as it disappoints audiences across the board.
Set in 1925, Leatherheads tells the story of Dodge Connolly, a veteran football player who is determined to lead his team to victory every game. But when his team, like many in the league, losses their sponsorship, all that Connolly can do is sit back and watch. But Connolly is never one to back down. Convincing college stand-out and war vet Carter Rutherford to join the team, Connolly single handedly rejuvenates a sport that the country had lost all interest in. In a matter of days the league has taken shape again, all because of the play and back-story of Carter "˜The Bullet' Rutherford. But when a nosey news reporter in Lexie Littleton (Renee Zellweger) gets wind that Rutherford's story may be too good to be true, she decides to investigate, befriending both Connolly and Rutherford in an attempt to find all the holes in the news story that just might make her assistant editor. But her charm and sex-appeal creates an intense rivalry between the two football stars, one that could change the way football is played forever.
While creating an all-star cast seems to be a breeze these days, I do want to commend the film for bringing in strong talent that actually shared some chemistry. George Clooney and Renee Zellweger hardly ever disappoint, and here is no different. Playing two quick-mouthed smart asses, Clooney and Zellweger stole the show, refusing to allow your eyes off of them in any given scene they did what A-list stars are suppose to do, demand and keep your attention. However, what may come as a surprise is the performance of John Krasinski. Known for his role as "˜Jim' in NBC's popular comedy "˜The Office,' Krasinski has acquired a strong fan base over the last few years. But with that said I must also mention that his film roles have been quite dreadful. His most notable role was in last summer's License to Wed with Mandy Moore which served to be anything but entertaining. So with that said, this was a huge step up for Krasinski and I have to admit that he accepted his challenge and preformed well around his co-stars.
But unfortunately even the three performances couldn't save a script that was destined for defeat.
For me the story was a simple one. A guy, unable to do anything else but play football, refuses to accept the dismantle of the league and therefore attempts to give the sport a second coming by convincing a college stand out to play for his team. Add in a side story that makes the league saving stand-out seem real and you have all that you need to create a successful script. But that isn't what the audience got to see. Instead we were succumbed to overplayed antics, corny, unbelievable actions and a finish that was too generic to really fool anyone.
But don't get me wrong, the film wasn't miserable by any means, and to be quite honest, I think I would recommend it to my parents and older siblings; however, it just seemed to generic and old-fashioned. So do yourself a favor, if you like any of the three actors, go see the film, if not"¦don't.
